Hamlet's Castle

Kronborg was built by King Frederik II in 1574-85. The castle replaced King Erik of Pomerania's medieval castle, Krogen", and used its fortifications to rule the entrance to the Sound, the stretch of water between Denmark and Sweden. Kronborg was initially…

Kronborg was built by King Frederik II in 1574-85. The castle replaced King Erik of Pomerania's medieval castle, Krogen", and used its fortifications to rule the entrance to the Sound, the stretch of water between Denmark and Sweden. Kronborg was initially built of red brick, but in 1577 the decision was made to clad it with sandstone. The four-wing castle is a masterpiece of Danish renaissance architecture. The copper-covered towers and spires adorning the building and the church gable are especially impressive. The "Trumpeter Tower" is the tallest with its regal spire. The castle burned in 1629, but King Christian IV had his father's work rebuilt.
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